Believe it or not, thousands of Americans are entitled to a SNAP benefit payment and have not applied for it. Some may be reluctant to apply because they prefer to stand on their feet even if that implies making big financial efforts.
Others may have no idea they qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in their State. If you have never heard about SNAP, it is exactly the same as Food Stamps. Some States may refer to it with a different name. For instance, it is known as CalFresh in California.
Number of SNAP-eligible recipients that are not participants and
According to the National Council on Aging, there could be millions of older adults who may be eligible for Food Stamp payments, SSI and Medicare Savings Programs, but they are not enrolled. These 3 programs are essential for low-income seniors in the United States. Check it on https://www.ncoa.org/benefits-participation-map?program=snap
However, there are many who are not taking advantage of this free money for food. SNAP can give you a payment of up to $291 if you qualify for the maximum amount for an individual. If you are 2 members, it can be up to $535. And up to $1,751 if you are 8!
Nationally, there is a total of 8,947,693 eligible non-participants. Apparently, the State of California is the one that has more seniors who could benefit from SNAP (CalFresh) but they have not applied for Food Stamps yet. In fact, there are a total of 1,049,658 eligible non-participants in California.
How to apply for SNAP benefit payments
All you have to do is find your local Food Stamps office. Visit this U.S. Government website to find locations: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory. Then, select your State to apply for a monthly payment.
Then, you can either visit the official website or call your local office to make an appointment if required. For example, if you live in California, you can call 877-847-3663 to claim a payment from USDA.
For your information, you can help someone apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payment. If you know a senior who may need money to buy food, you can tell them about this Federal program.
What are the eligibility criteria for SNAP benefits?
Income limits:
- Your household’s gross monthly income generally must be at or below 130% of the federal poverty line. For a family of 3, this is $2,353 per month as of 2024.
- Net monthly income (gross income minus allowable deductions) must be at or below 100% of the poverty line – $1,830 for a family of 3.
- Households with an elderly or disabled member only need to meet the net income limit.
Resource/asset limits:
- Households without an elderly or disabled member must have assets of $2,750 or less.
- Households with an elderly or disabled member must have assets of $4,250 or less.
- Certain resources like a home and lot, most retirement plans, and some vehicles are not counted.
Work requirements:
- Able-bodied adults without dependents are required to work or participate in a work program for at least 20 hours per week to receive SNAP for more than 3 months in a 36-month period.
- Certain groups, including children, seniors, pregnant women, and people with disabilities, are exempt from work requirements.
Citizenship/legal status:
- U.S. citizens and some non-citizens, such as green card holders and refugees, are eligible for SNAP if they meet the other criteria.
- Undocumented immigrants and individuals on certain temporary visas are not eligible regardless of income/resources.